Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP/JD)

Udupi, May 19: Deputy commissioner (DC) of the district, G Jagadeesha, jumped into action to enforce curfew guidelines on Wednesday May 19. Finding that several vehicles he came across were moving around without any strong reasons, he seized them. He conducted the raids in the city and Malpe area.

The DC also directed the officials to initiate action against shopkeepers who were found selling things other than the essential goods.

On Tuesday May 18, the DC had issued a stern warning to the people against unnecessarily treading the road without being backed by genuine reason. He had reiterated that the people have to necessarily visit the nearest grocery and vegetable stores by foot to procure the items needed. He had also instructed the police to strictly enforce the lockdown norms.

It may be recalled that Jagadeesha had conducted a similar raid on buses found overcrowded near Santhekatte here on April 19 and made the passengers found in excess of the permitted numbers to get down. He also had acted against those who were found not wearing masks on that occasion. His action had come in for criticism particularly in the social media, as many felt that students and others who have to go to their homes located in far off villages have to take specific buses in spite of whether they are overcrowded or not, as they are not sure about getting another bus for a few hours if they miss the current one.